Latest news with #freighters
Yahoo
3 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Saudia adds A330 cargo jets from charter operator
The cargo division of Saudia has signed a long-term transportation agreement with Ireland-based ASL Aviation Holdings to provide and operate two Airbus A330-300 converted freighters to boost its capacity, the companies announced Thursday. ASL Airlines Ireland, one of five airlines ASL airlines based in Europe, will begin operating the first A330 on Saudia Cargo's behalf early in the fourth quarter. ASL is leasing the A330-300 from U.S.-based Air Transport Services Group, which paid Elbe Flugzeugwerke, a joint venture between Airbus and Singapore-based ST Engineering, to change the used aircraft from passenger configuration to an all-cargo one. The aircraft originally was in service with Taiwan-based China Airlines, according to database Planespotters. The first cargo jet arrived at Shannon Airport in Dublin in mid-June where it was painted in the Saudia Cargo livery. ASL Airlines Ireland is in the process of reintroducing the A330 to its air operators certificate and obtaining approvals for operating specifications. The second A330 will undergo similar steps before entering service with Saudia later in the fourth quarter. The A330-300s will supplement ASL Ireland's existing fleet of Boeing 737-800 converted cargo jets and ATR 72 turboprops. ASL Ireland ceased flying A330s earlier this year for DHL under an arrangement in which DHL provided the aircraft and ASL provided crews, maintenance and insurance. DHL this year has culled some of its airline partners as it adjusts capacity around the world in response to shifting transportation demand and cost pressures. The wet lease with Saudia Cargo covers all aspects of operating the aircraft — including the airframe. The A330-300 is suited for express parcel operations because of its volumetric capacity, but also can carry heavy cargo. It has a revenue payload of more than 115,800 pounds, with space for 26 pallets on the main deck and 11 smaller pallets in the lower hold. Saudia Cargo has four Boeing 777 and four 747-400 freighters in its fleet. Air Atlanta Europe operates the 747s on behalf of Saudia Cargo, according to 'Expanding our capacity and global reach is a strategic imperative for Saudia Cargo, ensuring uninterrupted supply chains for our customers. The integration of this A330-300P2F, in partnership with ASL Aviation Holdings, will significantly support our network capabilities, enabling us to connect markets with greater agility and efficiency. This pivotal addition directly supports our vision to solidify our position as a leading global air cargo carrier and solidifies the Kingdom's role as a global logistics hub,' said Eng. Loay Mashabi, CEO and managing director of Saudia Cargo, in a news release. ULS Airlines In related news, Air Transport Services Group also announced Thursday that it had delivered its second A330-300 passenger-to-freighter aircraft to ULS Airlines Cargo in Turkey. Conversion work was done by Turkish Technic in Istanbul under a subcontracting arrangement with EFW. ULS Airlines operates in the Middle East, Europe and Asia. It operates three Airbus A300 freighters in addition to the A330 it received earlier this year. Click here for more FreightWaves/American Shipper stories by Eric Kulisch. Write to Eric Kulisch at ekulisch@ RELATED STORIES: DHL cuts ties with cargo airlines as efficiency initiative ramps up Turkey's ULS Cargo Airlines to receive first A330 freighter in March The post Saudia adds A330 cargo jets from charter operator appeared first on FreightWaves. Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
Emirates 24/7
6 days ago
- Business
- Emirates 24/7
From East Asia to Everywhere: Emirates SkyCargo Strengthens Cargo Corridors
With the launch of passenger services to Hangzhou, China, Emirates SkyCargo, the cargo arm of the world's largest international airline, now offers over 21,000 tonnes of weekly tonnage in and out of East and Southeast Asia every week, across the largest and most diversified route network of any non-Asian airline. Deepening its footprint in the region, Emirates SkyCargo now serves 25 gateways across 12 countries and territories. Firmly entrenched as the 'factory of the world', East and Southeast Asia has established thriving economic corridors, and require significant air freight capacity to shift goods worldwide. Dedicated Emirates SkyCargo freighters serve 9 gateways in the region, with 44 weekly flights, the highest freighter flight density on the airline's vast global network; this schedule is complemented by 13 charter services to and from East Asia every week, delivering consistent capacity and stable connectivity for Asian businesses into Europe and the Middle East. Freighter and charter operations are underpinned by 311 weekly passenger flights, moving travellers and cargo via a mix of Airbus A380s and Boeing 777s. With the high-frequency flight schedule, an Emirates aircraft takes off from East or Southeast Asia approximately every half hour. 'East and Southeast Asia are not just anchors of our global network – they are shaping the future of global logistics, and global trade,' said Abdulla Alkhallafi, Vice President of Cargo Commercial, Far East and Australasia. 'From cutting-edge manufacturing hubs to high-growth consumer markets, the region drives the pace of trade. Our strategic growth strategy and continued investment in East Asia and Southeast Asia reflects this as we remain laser-focused on building the capacity, routes and partnerships to best serve the exponential demand.' Fostering economic growth As a global hub for innovation, e-commerce and advanced manufacturing, and boasting a thriving agricultural sector, East and Southeast Asia have long been key markets on Emirates SkyCargo's global network. In an average week, Emirates SkyCargo uplifts over 450 tonnes of fresh fruit, vegetables, seafood and other perishable products, 100 tonnes of pharmaceuticals and medical devices, 75 tonnes of electronics, semi-conductors and smart goods, 180 tonnes of garments and over 1,300 tonnes of eCommerce. The 'Aerial Silk Road' – a network of air routes, logistics hubs and aviation infrastructure mirroring the overland and maritime Silk Roads of yore – enables swift and efficient connectivity with global markets. With a vast network of over 145 destinations, Emirates SkyCargo is well positioned to facilitate global trade. In fact, Emirates SkyCargo plays a significant support role in China's Belt and Road Initiative, facilitating swift and reliable connectivity to over 50 countries participating in the initiative. Strength through partnership Beyond its own network and capacity, Emirates SkyCargo forged a strategic partnership with Teleport, the exclusive cargo partner of AirAsia, to better support the burgeoning trade between Southeast Asia and the wider world, via Dubai. Unlocking over 100 primary, secondary and tertiary regional airports, Emirates SkyCargo is able to better serve global customers with increased capacity, more flexibility and access into new markets in Asia; conversely, Emirates SkyCargo supports Southeast Asian businesses with better connectivity into Europe, the USA and Canada. A series of 'firsts' Emirates has been setting benchmarks since the beginning of operations in East Asia. In September 2002, Emirates SkyCargo launched freighter services between Dubai and Shanghai, establishing the first direct air connectivity between the Middle East and the Chinese mainland, and pre-dating passenger operations by 18 months. The streak continued in 2025, as Emirates SkyCargo launched a weekly freighter to Japan's Narita International Airport, marking the first direct and scheduled freighter connectivity between Narita and the Middle East. Enabling faster and more flexible shipments, the freighter from Narita uplifts pharmaceuticals, semi-conductor parts and large or oddly-shaped shipments such as machinery parts. As Emirates SkyCargo advances its ambitious 10-year growth strategy, East Asia and Southeast Asia remain priority markets for increased capacity, whether through additional flight schedules or brand-new routes. By deepening connectivity across the region and maintaining seamless links with key markets worldwide, Emirates SkyCargo will continue to play a pivotal role in strengthening global supply chains, supporting bilateral economic growth and shape the future of global logistics.
Yahoo
01-08-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Sun Country to operate 20 Amazon cargo jets by peak season
Cargo flight hours at Sun Country Airlines were slightly lower than expected during the second quarter because of extra procedures needed to commission additional freighters supplied by Amazon, but all the aircraft will be available to haul packages in time for peak shipping season, executives said Friday. Minneapolis-based Sun Country (NASDAQ: SNCY) grew its cargo fleet by three aircraft during the quarter, driving up cargo revenue by 37% year over year to $35 million, according to earnings reported Thursday. Five of eight Boeing 737-800 converted freighters transferred by Amazon (NASDAQ: AMZN) from previous contractor Atlas Air are now in service with Sun Country. The company plans for the remaining three aircraft to enter service by the end of August, but the timeline could slip to late September if there are further delays integrating new aircraft into the operating fleet, management said during an earnings presentation. Aircraft utilization increased 9.5% during the quarter. That was lower than expected because the timing of aircraft deliveries was slightly thrown off by extra steps necessary to absorb the used 737-800s into the fleet. CEO Jude Bricker said on the first-quarter call on May 5 that Sun Country was experiencing some difficulties getting parts for maintenance checks, reconciling incomplete maintenance records, and fulfilling other regulatory requirements necessary to add aircraft to the operating certificate. Bringing aircraft into a certificated airline's fleet involves many steps to meet safety, regulatory and operational requirements, as well as company standards. The process includes reviewing the maintenance history; conducting thorough inspections of the engines, systems and airframe; updating operational manuals; training pilots, technicians and ground personnel; customization; and obtaining approval from civil aviation authorities. 'We're taking airplanes, doing work to get them ready for service. They're entering service later than we expected, and by virtue of that happening, the fleet isn't as committed [to a full Amazon schedule] because we want to make sure we're executing well. And so it's just taking a little bit longer to get the terminal velocity on that fleet,' Bricker said Friday. The fourth quarter is traditionally the busiest season for online retailers and parcel carriers, including Amazon. Sun Country has been supporting Amazon's parcel distribution network with a dozen 737-800 freighters since 2020. By September, the airline will have 20 aircraft in its cargo fleet. Chargeable hours to Amazon will be up 40% to 50% in the third quarter, said Bill Trousdale, the interim chief financial officer. The company, which also operates scheduled passenger service to leisure destinations and group charter flights, has repeatedly said that the additional aircraft along with rate increases in the Amazon contract, will double cargo revenue to about $215 million per year. Sun Country enjoys an annual rate escalator in its existing contract and the contract for the eight new aircraft, which is kicking in now, starts at a higher rate. The airline has temporarily reduced scheduled passenger flights this year to ensure there are adequate pilots and resources for a smooth expansion of the Amazon business. It offset the lag in expected cargo flights during the quarter with increased charter business. Overall, Sun Country's hybrid business model delivered a twelfth consecutive profitable quarter, with adjusted earnings per share of 14 cents and record second-quarter revenue of $264 million, beating estimates. Adjusted operating income was $18 million, with a margin of 6.8%. Click here for more FreightWaves/American Shipper stories by Eric Kulisch. Write to Eric Kulisch at ekulisch@ RELATED STORIES: Sun Country faces slight delays integrating additional Amazon cargo jets The post Sun Country to operate 20 Amazon cargo jets by peak season appeared first on FreightWaves. Sign in to access your portfolio
Bloomberg
21-05-2025
- Business
- Bloomberg
China-US Trade Soars as Exporters Race to Hit Trade Truce Window
A temporary trade truce between the world's two largest economies has sparked a knee-jerk bounce across China's ports and factory floors. In the week beginning May 12, when the US and China agreed to sharply reduce tariffs for 90 days, bookings on freighters headed from China to US shores more than doubled from the prior week to about 228,000 TEUs, or twenty-foot equivalent units, data from container-tracking platform Vizion and data provider Dun & Bradstreet shows.
